Articles

Mental Health Concerns

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is the most common mental condition in the United States—that’s 40 million adults (18% of the population)! Half of the people with depression also experience anxiety. And, in light of everything going on in the world today, it is likely that even more people than ever are experiencing some type of anxiety or depression. So, we all need to recognize whether we are experiencing those feelings and take steps to reduce stress.

Next time you start to feel anxious, acknowledge that feeling. Pay attention to physical cues like racing thoughts, worry about what is going to happen, fear, chest tightness, or shallow breathing, and identify what is causing them. Removing yourself from that situation/person will help. Once you determine what is causing those negative thoughts, focus on the present moment to stop them. Pay attention to your breathing. If you are breathing quickly, slow down and breathe deeply to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Other steps you can take to reduce anxiety include getting enough physical activity (150 minutes per week), eating a healthy diet (which will help regulate your blood sugar and boost your antioxidant levels), and practicing self-care (such as doing things you enjoy, meditating, and praying, all of which can have a calming effect).

Do things that make you happy! If you love being with a friend, call them! If you love being with your kids or grandkids, plan an event with them. If you love being with your dog, go out for a walk. Join a social group like the Rambling Roses at St. Therese, or share your time and talents by joining a parish ministry. Think about what you like to do and do something! Focusing on others will help relieve some of the anxiety you are feeling.

Reach out to a trusted family member/friend to talk about your anxiety, and if world events are fueling it, avoid those topics! If you have no one to talk to, consider talking to your priest or a counsellor.

Although everybody feels unhappy now and then, it usually lasts a few days and goes away on its own. However, if you or someone you know is feeling “down,” and it’s getting in the way of daily life, it may be a sign that you are experiencing depression. Feelings of depression vary among people. Some experience sadness, anxiousness, helplessness, and feelings of worthlessness. Irritability, anger, decreased interest in activities, low energy, trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and eating too much or too little are additional signs of depression. Trying to focus, remember details, and make decisions might feel overwhelming. When these feelings do not go away on their own in a few days, this may become a serious concern. Some people may even think about suicide or death.

Depression can be caused by changes in the brain structure, genes, life events, medications, chronic conditions, childhood problems, alcohol abuse, head injury, or anxiety. If you or someone you love is experiencing depression, it is important to reach out to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional. Treatment can include therapy, medications, and other modalities.

If you are interested in learning more about these mental health concerns, please join us on Thursday, February 5, from 12 to 1 PM, immediately following the Rambling Roses meeting in the St. Therese Social Hall. Dr. Agnes Ward from Macomb County Community Mental Health is a wonderful speaker and will present a lecture on anxiety, depression, and suicide. Please RSVP to the Parish Secretary or to Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse, at 586-254-4433 or marilync@stol.church, as a light lunch will be provided.

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